The term 'long, tapering flag' can be described by three words: PENNANT (7 letters), PENNON (6 letters), and WAFT (4 letters). A PENNANT is a long, tapering flag that is often triangular or swallow-tailed in shape. It is typically used to indicate a ship's nationality or to signal a message. A PENNON is a long, tapering flag that is usually rectangular or swallow-tailed in shape. It is typically used to indicate a person's rank or to signal a message. A WAFT is a long, tapering flag that is usually rectangular or swallow-tailed in shape. It is typically used to indicate the direction of the wind or to signal a message.